Legends from the world of sport gathered in London for the Mirror Pride of Sport Awards this month.

Bournemouth striker Jermain Defoe, Leicester star Jamie Vardy and ex-England rugby captain Lawrence Dallaglio were just a few of the famous faces in attendance.

The awards ceremony, which took place last week, is now available to watch in full on YouTube.

The Mirror Pride of Sport in partnership with TSB is about 'celebrating and recognising the unsung heroes of grassroots sport', as well as raising awareness about sport and encouraging people to be more active on a regular basis.

Here, Lawrence Dallaglio talks to Marion McMullen about life and his legacy. . .

What motivates you?

I lost my sister Francesca when she was aged 19 and it changed the course of my life forever. I was then a 16-year-old boy and I really struggled to deal with losing her and I fully believe that it contributed to where I am today. While it was a rocky road, particularly in my teens, I’ve used that experience to shape my life today. Ultimately, the learning was that life is so short and that it really does need to be lived to the full.

You once broke your ankle.Was that the worst injury you have ever suffered?

The broken ankle was complicated as it happened overseas in New Zealand and I was out of action for four months. The other perhaps more serious injury was tearing my ACL ligament in 2001. I was out for nine months and it was a tough and long journey back mentally.

What is your fitness routine now?

Exercise has been such a big part of my life that it feels so unnatural without it. I’m in the gym with a trainer twice a week, I do reformer pilates once every few weeks, I do a couple of spin classes a week and try to get out on the road bike once a week. Every two years I do a pan-European cycle challenge, the Dallaglio Cycle Slam, with my charity Dallaglio RugbyWorks.

Earlier this year we cycled 1,800km from the French Alps to Split in Croatia. I love those challenges because as well as testing you physically and mentally, you get the benefit of cycling with others in a team environment raising money for a common passion.

How else do you look after your wellbeing?

Probably mostly through my diet and mind set. I grew up with an Italian father so good healthy, fresh, seasonal food is in the DNA. I’m certainly no saint and enjoy the odd pint or bottle of wine but if you eat well, are not greedy and exercise regularly then it keeps everything in balance.

What has been the hardest part of dealing with life after rugby?

Being part of a tight team and a tight community is really very difficult to replicate post rugby. There are ways to benefit from the same kind of environments but that core feeling of belonging is unique to the game.

What still makes you passionate about sport?

I believe very passionately about the unique and emotional power of sport to change people’s lives. I’ve seen it at every level – and the way it can bring people together is astounding.

What would your life have been like without rugby?

I worked in various jobs before professional rugby came into town. That’s what happened in those days, our generation of players benefited from playing sport as a hobby and the enjoyment of being able to turn it into the best job in the world. I was working in commercial property in the early 90s ... rugby was always plan B! But when it turned professional and I was given my big break, I knew I wanted it to be my every day.

Did your family support your sporting choices and did they witness any of your triumphs?

One hundred percent. My parents gave me two things in life – unconditional love and belief that anything is possible. They were at my first and last rugby match and every one in between!

What was your favourite post- match meal?

Italian food. I used to go to Riva in Barnes after a match. They quickly got used to me walking in like I’d been in a car crash!

Where do you now keep your England caps and trophies?

They’re all at home – although I’d say they are modestly displayed…most of them are in a drawer!

Has the sport changed?

Yes, but the values are still strong – respect, teamwork, discipline, sportsmanship and enjoyment. My proudest memory was winning the 1997 Lions series and the Rugby World Cup in 2003.

What’s next in store for your Dallaglio RugbyWorks charity, which helps young people?

The charity has grown beyond belief.

We are working with 550 teenagers who have been permanently excluded from mainstream education in eight regions across the UK. For one reason or another, often through no fault of their own, they have been failed by society and I feel really passionately that we can change the course of their lives through the power of rugby. We are currently working with 20 per cent of the UK’s excluded 14-16 year olds helping them into sustained education, employment and training through a three-year skills-based course. We would like to move into further regions.

Have your own children inherited your love of sport?

Yes, they all enjoy sport but don’t feel the pressure to be professional sportsmen/sportswomen.

What was the best advice you were given?

That with hard work and kindness I can achieve anything I wanted. I’ve found it applies to all aspects of life and it’s something that we have instilled in our children.

Can sport be life-changing?

Absolutely. It has the power to bring people together and change lives.

What would you like your sporting legacy to be?

Through Dallaglio RugbyWorks, that sport has the ability to change the lives of many young people who have found themselves in difficult situations.